Peterhead 1-0 East Fife, Saturday 26th April 2025, Balmoor Stadium, William Hill League 2
Defeat at the hands of Peterhead on Saturday saw the Fifers condemned to the play-offs this season. While it must be noted that a second-place finish can be viewed as a success over the course of the season, it is a major blow that the trophy will not be lifted in Methil after the season that the squad have had.
Dick Campbell made one change to the side that beat Stirling Albion 2-0 at Bayview almost a fortnight ago, with Jess Norey replacing club captain Stewart Murdoch who missed the trip through injury.
Peterhead, who were going into the game with the knowledge that a victory would crown them champions started the quicker of the two sides, controlling the tempo through the early proceedings. It was clear that the Fifers would have to capitalise on any errors committed by the Blue Toon.
On the quarter of an hour mark, that chance looked to have come. A misplaced pass from Ciaran Dunne saw Alan Trouten 1-on-1 with the Peterhead goalkeeper. Unfortunately, despite rounding the stopper, Trouts couldn’t convert, and the score remained goalless.
Chances for Peterhead came and went for Max Barry, but the winger zinged his effort over the crossbar.
The first and only goal of the game came after thirty minutes of action, when Peter Pawlett opened the scoring. Peterhead used a quick free kick to get themselves in behind quickly, and Barry was the first to let a shot go. McFarlane saved that initial effort, though the rebound was hammered home by Pawlett, who scored what proved to be a championship winning goal.
In a game where East Fife failed to really threaten the Peterhead goal, it was left back Peggie who almost pulled us level ten minutes after going behind. The defender drove into an advanced position and let fly from 25 yards, although his effort was well saved by the Blue Toon ‘keeper.
The second half saw Peterhead control proceedings, shutting out the East Fife attack, which grew increasingly more desperate as the game went on. East Fife had few sniffs at goal, and due to the large volume of attacking options on the pitch, left themselves open at the back on a handful of occasions. Liam McFarlane made two very strong stops in the late moments to keep just one goal between the two sides.
It was a disappointing way to go out, the fight in the squad was clear to see. With now six days before the opener in the play-offs, it really is all to play for.
Peterhead – McKenzie, Jas Brown, McCarthy (Seb Ross 67), Shanks (Colloty 80’), Ross, Wilson, Smith, Pawlett, Forrest, Dunne, Barry (J Brown 77’). Subs not used: Goldie, Armour, McAllister, Oluyemi, Carnwath, Walker.
East Fife – McFarlane, Millar (Jones 67’), Easton, McManus, Norey (Healy 67’), Trouten, Austin (Shepherd 80’), Peggie, Laaref (Higginbotham 46’), Munro, McKenna. Subs not used: Fleming, Newton, Slattery, Nicol, Bah.
Referee – Colin Whyte
Attendance – 1,979
Report by Oli Anderson